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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:22:50 PM EDT
A comment in the Cold Steel Gunstock Club thread got me thinking. I believe it was SirenSong who said something like “every man needs an impractical melee weapon”, and I cannot find any fault in his logic. I began to realize that while I have many practical melee/edged weapons, I don’t yet have any impractical melee weapons, and I’ve decided it’s time to fix that. The impractical melee weapon I’ve chosen is the tactical shovel/spade:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPL-50 So, which one should I get? Should I go the classical Spetsnaz simple wood and steel version like the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel, or should I get a modern tacticool all-black version with folding handle, serrated edges, compass, and stress ball? Who makes good ones, and which ones should I avoid? I would prefer to have one that stays on the shorter end to make sure it’s as impractical as possible for use as anything other than a melee weapon, and to keep it compact while sitting on the shelf. Pics with links would be helpful and appreciated! |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:23:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Cold Steel Knives has a pretty close replication of the Spetznas shovel.
Get the OG one. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:24:25 PM EDT
[#2]
cold steel
(mic drop) |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:26:28 PM EDT
[#3]
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:33:45 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: cold steel (mic drop) That definitive huh? I shouldn’t be considering the Gerber folding e-tool? https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/equipment/all-equipment/e-tool-pick-22-01945 |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:35:01 PM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:36:46 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That definitive huh? I shouldn't be considering the Gerber folding e-tool? https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/equipment/all-equipment/e-tool-pick-22-01945 if you must, pair your spetznaz shovel with a merican military pickaxe thing. https://www.armynavywarehouse.com/product-page/us-military-pick-axe-steel-mattock |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:40:42 PM EDT
[#7]
I like the GERBER E-Tool.
https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/activity/serve/serve-collection/e-tool-05942 |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:46:13 PM EDT
[#8]
How throwable does it need to be?
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:46:21 PM EDT
[#9]
WW1/WW2 German flat spade e-tool.
ETA: the Swiss and Romanian versions are similar.  https://www.ima-usa.com/products/german-wwii-square-head-entrenching-tool-schanzzeug Another suggestion: Commercial aircraft cockpit/crash axe |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:56:22 PM EDT
[#10]
 Original Chinese army Multifunctional Military Shovel |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 7:56:53 PM EDT
[#11]
OP is funding Putin's war of terror on Ukraine.
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:03:59 PM EDT
[#12]
What was that Soviet machete called? The USVR or something? Anybody selling those?
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:04:16 PM EDT
[#13]
 Cold Steel - Special Forces Shovel |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:05:38 PM EDT
[#14]
USGI folding e tools break more easily than my cold steel shovel. I’ve used the cold steel to chop, dig and pry and iit is still in one piece.
I seem to remember a US Marine called “E tool”. He used a nonfolding e tool in close combat. I don’t think the cold steel,shovel is impractical. A chandelier or bidet would be impractical. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:09:26 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What was that Soviet machete called? The USVR or something? Anybody selling those? This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:11:02 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:11:39 PM EDT
[#17]
The Cold Steel chops pretty well, throws pretty well and I assume digs OK- I'm trying to remember actually digging with it.
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:12:55 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: USGI folding e tools break more easily than my cold steel shovel. I’ve used the cold steel to chop, dig and pry and iit is still in one peice. Yep. Used the one in the car to chop an ice berm left behind by a snowplow (tall enough that the car would've gotten high centered on it). Did it without issue. I don't know that a collapsible shovel would've made it. Depending on use, CS has the OG Spetznaz shovel, and a longer Trench shovel. If you might ever really need to dig a lot, the Trench shovel might be preferable. Head is also a little bigger (which means the OG cover doesn't fit). Both are way more solid than any collapsible shovel/entrenching tool I've ever handled. Recommend wrapping the smooth handles with some hockey tape though. They're pretty damned slick, especially when wet. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:13:03 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted: A comment in the Cold Steel Gunstock Club thread got me thinking... Just buy the Cold Steel one. I don't know why but I collect army E Tools and the cold steel one is overbuilt by most standards. Its more than anyone would need while not being collectible so you can play with it 'til your heart's content. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:13:12 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Cold Steel chops pretty well, throws pretty well and I assume digs OK- I'm trying to remember actually digging with it.
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:17:45 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: makes for a damn fine cooking surface as well. Never thought of that but it would probably work better than a hoe. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:18:08 PM EDT
[#22]
Cold steel, I bought a shit load and gave them as gifts. Everyone loves them.
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:34:58 PM EDT
[#23]
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:35:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What was that Soviet machete called? The USVR or something? Anybody selling those? This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. That is marvelous |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 8:52:00 PM EDT
[#25]
I've got a Cold Steel shovel I use for camping/bushcraft stuff regularly. I broke the habdle after about 4hrs total dig time and the weld where the handle receiver wraps around broke as well. I had a local arfcommer, Gahunter95, install a new handle out of some fancy that I am convinced is tougher than the metal on the shovel itself. It works great now.
As far as military shovels or etools, look at the US AMES brand sold on ebay. Most are Vietnam era and built well. All of the modern and commercial etools are garbage and will break with rough use, even the usgi models. I recently grabbed a german military surplus etool and its built like the older US AMES version from Swisslink. Might want to give their site a look as that sort of stuff pops up there regularly or go to ebay or your local surplus store if you have one. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 9:22:12 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've got a Cold Steel shovel I use for camping/bushcraft stuff regularly. I broke the habdle after about 4hrs total dig time and the weld where the handle receiver wraps around broke as well. I had a local arfcommer, Gahunter95, install a new handle out of some fancy that I am convinced is tougher than the metal on the shovel itself. It works great now. As far as military shovels or etools, look at the US AMES brand sold on ebay. Most are Vietnam era and built well. All of the modern and commercial etools are garbage and will break with rough use, even the usgi models. I recently grabbed a german military surplus etool and its built like the older US AMES version from Swisslink. Might want to give their site a look as that sort of stuff pops up there regularly or go to ebay or your local surplus store if you have one. I honestly have no real use for one of these things, especially not hard use. Just looking for something decently functional for the intended purpose that will sit on a shelf or in the trunk of a car for the foreseeable future. At least until the zombie apocalypse |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 9:26:05 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never thought of that but it would probably work better than a hoe. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: makes for a damn fine cooking surface as well. Never thought of that but it would probably work better than a hoe. That depends on how well you’ve domesticated her
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Posted: 7/15/2022 9:27:32 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: makes for a damn fine cooking surface as well. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: The Cold Steel chops pretty well, throws pretty well and I assume digs OK- I'm trying to remember actually digging with it. Hmm, bacon and eggs. Mine's in the middle of having the paint stripped* and I'd planned on parkerizing it but maybe I should just "season" it with some Crisco. *Whatever paint they use, Citristrip didn't do much so I decided to sandblast it; the blast cabinet gloves were dried out so got new gloves but haven't gotten back to the project. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 9:31:55 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WW1/WW2 German flat spade e-tool. ETA: the Swiss and Romanian versions are similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5395fbd3e4b003747ed3b60a/1622327645698-H2OFM5BQKU1BXSFT3F06/Screen+Shot+2021-05-27+at+1.42.10+PM.png?format=1500w https://www.ima-usa.com/products/german-wwii-square-head-entrenching-tool-schanzzeug Another suggestion: Commercial aircraft cockpit/crash axe I have a few of the $25 Finnish shovels from IMA and they are very nice. Sorry, but I'm using a new tablet and can't figure out how to link. ETA: I do not have a Cold Steel shovel, but I do have an authentic Russian shovel and it is underwhelming. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 9:33:31 PM EDT
[#30]
Cold Steel In Each of the vehicles.
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Posted: 7/15/2022 10:00:36 PM EDT
[#31]
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Posted: 7/15/2022 10:10:10 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WW1/WW2 German flat spade e-tool. ETA: the Swiss and Romanian versions are similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5395fbd3e4b003747ed3b60a/1622327645698-H2OFM5BQKU1BXSFT3F06/Screen+Shot+2021-05-27+at+1.42.10+PM.png?format=1500w https://www.ima-usa.com/products/german-wwii-square-head-entrenching-tool-schanzzeug Another suggestion: Commercial aircraft cockpit/crash axe I prefer a spade type blade b/c of the rocks we have here. |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 10:20:50 PM EDT
[#33]
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Posted: 7/15/2022 10:21:55 PM EDT
[#34]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09NQGHV6F/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams
 Titanium version of Cold steel shovel |
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Posted: 7/15/2022 10:43:30 PM EDT
[#35]
Any shovel and a good set of sharpening stones can turn a shovel into a melee weapon.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:19:26 AM EDT
[#36]
I swear by the Cold Steel shovel. I got stuck in mud in Wyoming once out on the range and dug out with the Cold Steel. It did take several hours but I got back to camp in time for dinner. I have had one in every vehicle since. I prefer the new longer handle version.
As to folding shovels, the only one worth a damn is the Glock. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:31:57 AM EDT
[#37]
Get one that’s actually tempered to hold up as a weapon.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:39:28 AM EDT
[#38]
If I had to fight with a shovel I'd prefer to use a 6' Razorback and use every lacrosse skill I had.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:47:35 AM EDT
[#39]
My vote goes to Cold Steel. Inexpensive, rugged, well made. Get the nylon carry case w/belt loops.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:49:32 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryInteresting, but titanium isn't known for edge-holding or abrasion resistance. Also, if you're going to swing it, you want something with heft. I'd stick with steel. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:51:43 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hmm, bacon and eggs. Mine's in the middle of having the paint stripped* and I'd planned on parkerizing it but maybe I should just "season" it with some Crisco. *Whatever paint they use, Citristrip didn't do much so I decided to sandblast it; the blast cabinet gloves were dried out so got new gloves but haven't gotten back to the project. Aircraft Remover is the chemical you seek. It ate the shit out of the same shitty black paint on my CS Pipe Hawk. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 1:22:25 AM EDT
[#42]
Oh my this thread has me wanting to spend money!
I keep a army surplus store folding shovel in a green GI belt sheath/carrier behind the seat of my truck. It's dug my truck out of the mud 5-6 times. Four wheelers and tractors plenty of times too. Works great for that and chopping small 1 inch or so branches and sapling down. I've had that and a old heavy 440c Walmart "bowie" knife behind the seat for years. Bowie knife holds a fine machete edge and is decent at chopping small stuff or processing real small wood to start a fire. It'd work real good in a fight too, good handle, long heavy blade with a sharp but sturdy tip. I'd probably grab it over a shovel. The cold steel shovel with the short or slightly longer handle would work great for what I do with my folder too. Probably better actually since even the short cold steel still has a longer handle than my folder I think. Don't discount being able to 90 degree the folding shovel into a kind of pickaxe/spade hoe like tool. Alternating between that and shoveling a man can clear a fair amount of dirt quickly. recently bought a old Collins brand machete (no not the army/navy issue Collins & Co) that was pretty rusty. I let it soak in a canoe of evaporust and sharpened it. It came out good as new with plenty of dark clean patina, vintage tough plastic handles and took a good edge. Probably gonna make a sheath for it out of some thin gauge aluminum sheet laying around. Thinking about keeping it in the truck and trading that cheap "Bowie" out for one of my small Becker fixed blades. folding shovel, machete, and fixed blade camping knife. If someone pulled all that out in a zombie movie I'd call bullshit! Jeez and the road flares, first aid kit, and ammunition for guns I don't even keep in the truck? I'm a rolling bad zombie movie!! |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 1:23:38 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I had to fight with a shovel I'd prefer to use a 6' Razorback and use every lacrosse skill I had. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:51:39 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. That’s the one. I remember seeing those in surplus shops shortly after the end of the Soviet Union and thinking “that’s cool, but I don’t want to cough up $50 for one.” Wish I had bought one in retrospect. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:41:24 AM EDT
[#45]
Cold Steel is the only one, unless you find a real Russian surplus. I have Cold Steel, but bought one that is supposed to be titanium. It's shit.
Stick with Cold Steel. It's tough as nuts. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:42:35 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryDon't do it. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:50:20 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How throwable does it need to be? Well you have to be able to do a flying somersault and throw it while inverted If you can't do that yet, don't waste your money |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:52:45 AM EDT
[#48]
Ive had the cold steel version for probably 25 years now. It lives in the back of my jeep now.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:54:52 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryI got one of those last year, direct from the maker/seller in ruzzia I think was listed on eBay First one didn't show up after several months, complained and the guy reluctantly sent out another, which did show in maybe 6 weeks. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 9:21:55 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This? https://englishrussia.com/2019/01/14/taiga-1-soviet-spetznaz-machete-like-survival-tool/ Didn't US Cavalry or someone sell them in the late 80s? Maybe Atlanta Cutlery? I remember wanting one as a kid. I bought one from AC. It was a nice tool, heavy, rugged, just really solid. I remember it had a hollow handle and the cap had a really sharp projection on it. I think it was supposed to be an awl. The drawback for me was the handle. It was very squarish and the edges would hurt after some heavy usage. I either sold it or gave it away decades ago. Who knows, it could be in the bottom of a box in my garage somewheres.  Attached File |
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